See protactinium in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun Symbol Pa
A rare, extremely toxic, radioactive element chemically similar to uranium, having 13 known isotopes, the most common of which is protactinium 231 with a half-life of 32,480 years. Atomic number 91; melting point 1,230°C; specific gravity 15.37; valence 4, 5. See Table at element.
Origin:
Origin: prot(o)-
Origin: + actinium (so called because it decays into actinium)